The Newcastle United manager issued that stark warning to his Welsh counterpart Mark Hughes after reluctantly allowing Bellamy to join his international colleagues for Saturday's opening 2004 European Championship qualifier against Finland in Helsinki.

And Magpies boss Robson stressed that if the Cardiff-born striker plays for more than 20 minutes or returns to St James' Park with an injury then "all hell will break out".

The former England manager has made no effort to hide his disquiet at Bellamy's selection, with the player having only recently returned to first team action following a seven-month injury lay-off.

But his hand was forced thanks to UEFA's ruling which states that clubs have to release their players for international fixtures.

Robson explained: "Craig has come through a couple of tests over the last few days, but I am very sceptical of the whole thing.

"The lad has been out of football for seven months and all of a sudden there's a good chance he will play international football.

"Craig could be thrown into a full -blooded European Championship match and if he returns to me injured all hell will break out.

"We have spent a massive amount of money getting him right from his injury and we don't want anything to jeopardise his recovery.

"I have told Mark Hughes that Craig is not ready for this kind of test yet.

"I am well aware that Mark wants to use him on the bench, but he has not even started with us yet and I'm warning Wales not to return the lad to me with any problems.

"We have the medical documentation to stop Craig going to Finland, but I want to help Craig and Wales though I must say I'm really worried about it all.

"In my opinion Craig is not ready for the hustle and bustle of this kind of football.

"We are trying to protect the player. "The club have told Mark and the Football Association of Wales that 20 minutes or so is the maximum they can use the lad for."

Bellamy will travel to Helsinki independently from the Welsh team, who left Heathrow early this morning, and he is looking forward to facing the Finns.

He said: "This is a vital game for Wales and I'm chuffed the club has let me go, that's why I pressed them so much.

"I could have called a sickie, but that's not what I am about. I explained to the club how important this was to me and Wales.

"We have a great chance to do well in this group and it's so important to get off to a good start.

"Any part in the action will be a major bonus for me, I'm just glad I'm going."

Welsh officials remained tightlipped about Robson's comments, but a source close to Hughes said: "We have spoken to Newcastle United and we are well aware of certain details."